This torte, it is really good. And it is really bad for you. But one slice satisfies my deepest chocolate cravings, voiding the need for me to continually reach my hand into the chocolate chip bag that I keep open just inside the cabinet for some unknown, slightly sadistic reason. I’ve made it several times and it comes out well no matter what mistakes I make while making it. This time, my largest round pan was a little too small and it took about 15 minutes longer to bake than it usually does. I chose the cake; The first time I went all out and made the coulis ahead of time and then did the glaze the next day and it was way more effort than it was worth. Especially since the coulis recipe made about 3 cups and then the glaze only called for 2 tablespoons. So now I just throw some frozen fruit, chocolate chips, sugar, and a pat of butter in a pan, mash the fruit and chocolate together, and dump it on the cake. Unceremonious, perhaps, but it tastes great.

A Kosher Easter Dinner

A Kosher Easter Dinner

A Kosher Easter DinnerA Kosher Easter Dinner

A Kosher Easter Dinner

Two serving suggestions: it’s the best straight out of the fridge and a dollop of whipped cream really pulls all the flavors together.  So enjoy!  And next time I’ll try and write about something that’s not dessert.

Dark Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Glaze

For the cake:
1 2/3 c. semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. salted butter
1/4 c. cocoa powder
1 tsp. cinnamon OR instant espresso powder
5 large eggs
1 c. sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line 9 inch round pan, preferably a springform, with parchment paper (the paper is essential for presentation if not using a springform pan.  If presentation doesn’t matter, just butter and flour the pan and leave the torte in there to serve).

Melt chocolate chips and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring regularly, until smooth.  Whisk in cocoa, remove from heat, and let cool for10 minutes.

Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar together on medium speed until thick, 4-6 minutes.  Fold cooled chocolate into egg and sugar mixture, blending well.

Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake until dry and beginning to crack on top, about 40-50 minutes.  Toothpick test should come out with some moist crumbs, but not wet.

Let torte cool in pan for about an hour, then invert onto serving plate (removing sides first if using a springform pan).  Let cool completely.

For glaze:
1 c. frozen raspberries or other frozen berries
3 T sugar
2 T water
3/4 c. chocolate chips
2 T butter

Stir fruit, sugar, and water in saucepan over medium heat, until syrupy, mashing berries with spoon.  Add chocolate and butter, and stir just until smooth.  Remove from heat.

Allow glaze to cool 10 minutes, than pour over top of cake.  Spread on top and push over sides.  Put cake in fridge until glaze is set, about 30 minutes.  Serve cold, with whipped cream.

Dining and Cooking